Tourism and Coastal Development on the Southeast Coast of Sri Lanka: Report of the Workshop held on 23 Dec 2010 in Pottuvil Cover photo: Sunrise in Arugam Bay (R Mahindapala) Facing Page 7: Beach at Ullai-Panama (R Mahindapala) Page 15 : Arugam Bay beach (R Mahindapala) Page 16: Beach at Pottuvil (R Mahindapala) Page 22: Arugam Bay beach at sunset (R Mahindapala) Page 24: Sunrise at Panama (R Mahindapala) Tourism and Coastal Development on the Southeast Coast of Sri Lanka: Report of the Workshop held on 23 Dec 2010 in Pottuvil Tourism and Coastal Development on the Southeast Coast of Sri Lanka PREFACE IUCN Sri Lanka organised a short seminar on Tourism and Coastal Zone Management in Sri Lanka on 5 November, 2010 in conjunction with the Regional Steering Committee meeting of the Mangroves for the Future Initiative (MFF). The participants included Sri Lanka Tourism, Coast Conservation Department, Ministry of Fisheries, Hoteliers Association, and Arugam Bay Tourism Association. In the ensuing discussions, a strong need was expressed to examine the tourism development plans for the coastal stretch from Pottuvil to Panama, in the light of the current interest in tourism expansion vis-à-vis coastal zone management. In response, IUCN in partnership with the National Academy of Sciences, Sri Lanka arranged a workshop in Pottuvil on 23 December, 2010 under MFF to initiate a dialogue between the various stakeholders. The Sri Lanka National Steering Committee of MFF supported the dialogue which covered subjects such as the current plans for tourism expansion, issues relating to tourism in the area, in particular Arugam Bay, the aspirations of the fisher communities, legislative aspects, and coast conversation aspects. The dialogue was held with the participation of key government agencies (including district and local representation), fisher communities, and the local tourism sector. The ready support of the Sri Lanka Tourism, Coast Conservation Department, Hoteliers Association of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay Tourism Association and the Divisional Secretaries of the concerned areas is very much appreciated, IUCN Sri Lanka National Academy of Sciences, Sri Lanka January, 2011 Tourism and Coastal Development on the Southeast Coast of Sri Lanka Tourism and Coastal Development on the Southeast Coast of Sri Lanka CONTENTS PREFACE .............................................. 1. INTRODUCTION .............................................. 7 2. WORKSHOP OUTPUTS .............................................. 9 . RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................. 17 . ANNEXES Annex 1 – Programme of the Workshop .............................................. 2 Annex 2 – Participants List .............................................. 2 Annex 3 – Summaries of Presentations .............................................. 27 Tourism and Coastal Development on the Southeast Coast of Sri Lanka Tourism and Coastal Development on the Southeast Coast of Sri Lanka 1. INTRODUCTION Following the Seminar on Tourism and Coastal Zone Management in Sri Lanka held on 5 November, 2010 in conjunction with the Regional Steering Committee meeting of the Mangroves for the Future Programme, there was a discussion and a felt need to examine the tourism development plans for the coastal stretch from Pottuvil to Panama, in the light of the current interest in tourism expansion vis-à-vis coastal zone management. In consequence, IUCN Sri Lanka under its Mangroves for the Future (MFF) Programme1 together with the National Academy of Sciences, Sri Lanka2 organised a workshop on 23 December, 2010 at the Conference Hall, Divisional Secretariat, Pottuvil. The workshop was expected to provide a forum for a dialogue between the various stakeholders, and the discussions were expected to cover subjects such as the current plans for tourism expansion, current issues relating to tourism in the area, in particular Arugam Bay, the aspirations of the fisher communities, legislative aspects, and coast conversation aspects etc. Holding the workshop in Pottuvil enabled the local level key government agencies (including district and local representation), fisher communities, and the local tourism sector to participate. The programme of the workshop is at Annex 1 and the participant list is at Annex 2. Opening Remarks In his opening remarks, Dr Ranjith Mahindapala, Country Representative, IUCN Sri Lanka Programme traced the events following the discussions at the seminar held on 5 November, 2010 in conjunction with the Regional Steering Committee of the Mangroves for the Future Programme. He recalled the intense discussions at the meeting, and the need for addressing, as a matter of priority, the issues relating to coastal zone management vis-à-vis tourism development in the south-eastern coastal areas of Sri Lanka. The cessation of hostilities and a brought a new era for tourism in the area, and there are unplanned coastal developments which are causing concern. These concerns have been discussed at the National Steering Committee of the MFF Programme which is represented by both state agencies, private sector and NGOs and it was decided that IUCN should facilitate this discussion. IUCN partnered with the National Academy of Sciences, Sri Lanka which is able to bring 1 http://www.mangrovesforthefuture.org/ 2 http://www.nassl.org/ 7 Tourism and Coastal Development on the Southeast Coast of Sri Lanka in the perspectives of national physical planning and other related aspects into the discussion, and as an independent scientific body is able to bring the outcomes of the workshop to the attention of authorities. Dr Mahindapala thanked the invitees, in particular the support of the Divisional Secretary, Pottuvil, the Director General of Coast Conservation, Director of Sri Lanka Tourism, Representative of the Hoteliers’ Association, and the Arugam Bay Tourism Association for their presence and for their contributions. Fig. 1 – Workshop in Progress (Ranjith Mahindapala) Dr Locana Gunaratna, President of the National Academy of Sciences, Sri Lanka (NASSL) stated that the NASSL was pleased to be associated in this important national endeavour. He highlighted the importance of the Eastern Province for tourism development, but drew the attention of the participants to the fragility of the ecosystem. These special circumstances called for careful planning for tourism expansion, or for that matter any other development. He also highlighted the need for balancing development with conservation, and called for the support of all concerned in using the resources in a sustainable manner, as people in the area are relatively poor and are dependent on the fishery resources. Mr U L Niyas, CEO/Divisional Secretary, Pottuvil, speaking on behalf of the District Secretary welcomed the initiative taken by IUCN and NASSL. He stated that he was personally keen on introducing sustainable tourism initiatives in the region, and recalled the discussions that have taken place at the Committee appointed by the Chairman, District Coordinating Committee (DCC), Ampara and chaired by himself. Several general issues as well as specific issues relevant to Arugam Bay have been discussed, and certain decisions have been made. He suggested revisiting these discussions in the light of the presence of important government agencies at this meeting. He also explained the special role he has, in particular in coordinating the important agencies such as the Coast Conservation Department and the Urban Development Authority. Tourism and Coastal Development on the Southeast Coast of Sri Lanka 2. WORKSHOP OUTPUTS Five main presentations were made3, as follows: 1. Tourism Plans in the Southeast, Mr P U Ratnayake, Director, Standards & Quality Assurance, Sri Lanka Tourism 2. Perspectives from the Coast Conservation Department,Mr Anil Premaratne, Director General, Coast Conservation Department 3. Tourism Development from Pottuvil to Panama,Mr Ravi de Silva, Hoteliers’ Association of Sri Lanka 4. Perspectives from the National Physical Planning,Dr Locana Gunaratna, President, National Academy of Sciences, Sri Lanka 5. Viewpoint from Small Hoteliers of Arugam Bay, Mr M H A Raheem, President, Arugam Bay Tourism Association Key Points from the Presentations4 1. Tourism Plans in the Southeast Mr P U Ratnayake in his presentation described the East Coast of Sri Lanka as a very attractive tourist destination because it has distinctive natural resources, an exotic culture, fascinating flora and fauna, a World famous natural harbour, breathtaking view of sunrise, good connectivity by sea, land and air, unparalleled scenic beauty, pristine sea and beach with opportunities for whale watching, safe swimming, and close proximity to national parks. The area also has a unique seasonality. Combined with the land availability, the area has a high potential for eco-tourism. Arugam Bay has a population of approximately 20,000- 22,000 people, and is a multi communal and multi cultural society. In terms of infrastructure, the road network has improved with A4 road upgraded, and the Monaragala to Panama 3 The Director General of the Ministry of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development was unable to attend the workshop. 4 Summaries of Presentation are at Annex 3. 9 Tourism and Coastal Development on the Southeast Coast of Sri Lanka stretch is in good condition. The closest aerodrome is at Ampara, and the lagoons in the environs of Arugam Bay can accommodate sea planes. The area is connected to the national grid and electricity supply is adequate; water